Ed Christian's World

Embracing God’s Spring…

The Groom’s tender invitation in the Song of Solomon, “Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come away. For behold, the winter is gone,” resonates deeply within the heart of every believer.

Understanding that God is our Bridegroom and we are His cherished bride illuminates the profound meaning of these words. The Hebrew word “set-hav,” signifying winter, literally speaks of a season of hiding. This perfectly mirrors our lives before salvation, a time often characterized by shadows, fear, and the concealment of our true selves within the darkness of sin.

Just as springtime follows the harshness of winter, our new life in Jesus bursts forth after the death of our old self. The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus during springtime are no mere coincidence; they symbolize the definitive end of our spiritual winter.

As Romans 6:6 declares, “We know that our old self was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that we should no longer be in slavery to sin.”

Therefore, when God whispers, “Behold, your winter is gone,” He is proclaiming liberation. He is saying that the era of gloom, the chains of bondage, the grip of sin, and the need to hide are over.

The warmth and light of His presence have arrived, ushering in a season of growth, freedom, and unveiled beauty. He calls us to rise, to step out of the shadows, and to walk confidently into the vibrant spring of His grace.

Let us embrace this truth today. Let us intentionally release the remnants of our winter and step fully into the new life He has so lovingly provided.

Heavenly Bridegroom, we thank You for Your tender invitation to leave behind the cold and darkness of our past. We acknowledge that through the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus, our winter has indeed passed. Grant us the courage to fully embrace the spring You have ushered into our lives. Help us to shed the old ways, the fears, and the habits that kept us hidden. Fill us with the warmth of Your love, the light of Your truth, and the vibrant life of Your Spirit, that we may walk in the freedom and beauty You have destined for us. Amen.

The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. – 2 Corinthians 5:17

May you truly experience the joy and liberation of leaving your winter behind and stepping into God’s glorious spring today.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

God’s Presence Overcomes All Fear…

It’s so comforting to be reminded of God’s constant presence, isn’t it? That promise in Isaiah truly is a lifeline.

Today, may we find deep rest in the unwavering assurance that God Himself walks intimately beside us through every single challenge life throws our way. As always, let this be our guiding truth: Walk daily with God right there with you. You are never, ever alone in the anxieties that weigh on your heart.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.   Isaiah 41:10

Fear. It’s that unwelcome guest, that persistent shadow threatening to eclipse even our brightest moments. Yet, in the face of this relentless adversary, God speaks a promise that possesses the profound power to transform everything: “Do not fear, for I am with you.”

These aren’t merely comforting words; they are a powerful declaration of divine presence and unwavering strength. They serve as a potent reminder that regardless of the trials we encounter, we are never truly alone. The very God who orchestrates the cosmos is constantly by our side, unequivocally for us, and eternally ready to infuse us with strength and lift us with His righteous hand.

When He declares, “I am your God,” it’s a statement of an unshakable, eternal commitment. It’s His sacred pledge to be our steadfast refuge amidst life’s fiercest storms, our unwavering help when our own strength fails, and our unyielding courage when fear looms largest in our minds.

Therefore, today, whatever specific fears may be looming, threatening to engulf you, remember this profound truth: you are held securely by a God whose power and love infinitely surpass them all. Cling tightly to His divine promise, and allow it to be your steadfast anchor amidst the most turbulent tempests.

You are deeply loved, divinely strengthened, and held aloft by the mighty, unwavering hand of God. And with Him as your constant companion, you possess the strength to face absolutely anything.

Dear Lord, in those moments when fear casts its long shadow over my heart, threatening to silence Your gentle voice, I consciously choose to cling to Your sacred promise – the unwavering truth that I am never truly alone, that You are always faithfully by my side. Grant me the grace to fully trust in Your unfailing love and Your unbreakable commitment, even when the grip of fear feels overwhelming. Continually remind me that Your powerful presence is infinitely greater than any problem I face, that Your divine strength far surpasses any struggle I endure. Today, I actively choose faith over the paralyzing grip of fear. I choose to wholeheartedly believe that with You walking beside me, I possess the strength to confront anything that comes my way. Thank You, Father, for being my constant courage and my abiding peace. I place my complete trust in You. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  – Philippians 4:6-7

Remember, friend, starve your fears by diligently feeding your faith. Nourish your faith, and watch your fears wither and fade away.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Embracing God’s Word, Discovering Life…

It’s true that the power of God’s Word is undeniable. Just as light sprang forth at His command, His Word holds the very essence of life and transformation. It makes perfect sense that anything that opposes life would also oppose the very source of it.

The enemy’s tactics, from the Garden to our daily lives, remain consistent: to sow doubt, create distance, and ultimately prevent us from truly encountering and embracing God’s Word. He knows that when the Word takes root – in our minds, our hearts, and our actions – it unleashes a “Let there be” in our circumstances.

As Jeremiah so beautifully expressed, “Your words were found, and I ate them; and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.”  Jeremiah 15:16

Let us, like Jeremiah, hunger for God’s Word, internalize it, and allow it to fill us with joy and purpose.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word, a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We recognize the schemes of the enemy to keep us from its life-giving power. We ask for Your strength and discernment to resist these efforts. Open our ears to hear, our minds to understand, and our hearts to receive the truth of Your Word. Empower us to not just hear, but to live it out in our daily lives, allowing it to shape our thoughts, guide our actions, and bring forth Your “Let there be” in every area of our lives. May Your Word become the joy and delight of our hearts. Amen.

The Bible is not just a book; it is the power of God put into print.

Today, let’s actively seek out God’s Word, not just read it, but truly receive it, digest it, and allow it to become an inseparable part of who we are. Let the “Let there be” of God’s Word manifest in your life.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Finding Peace In Jesus…

Finding Stillness in the Savior’s Embrace
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, the pursuit of inner peace can often feel like chasing a distant star.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27

The world clamors for our attention, anxieties whisper in our ears, and the noise within can be deafening. Yet, amidst this chaos, there is a constant, unwavering source of tranquility: the presence of Jesus.

Think of a stormy sea, waves crashing, and winds howling. In the midst of this turmoil, Jesus walked on water, defying the very forces that threatened to overwhelm His disciples. He spoke a simple command, “Peace, be still,” and instantly, the tempest obeyed (Mark 4:39). This same power resides within Him today, a power that can calm the storms within our own hearts.

Finding inner peace through Jesus isn’t about escaping the challenges of life; rather, it’s about anchoring ourselves in His steadfast love and finding our strength in His unwavering presence.

It’s about learning to listen for His gentle voice amidst the clamor, trusting in His guidance when the path ahead seems uncertain, and resting in the assurance of His unfailing grace.

Just as a plant turns towards the sunlight for nourishment and growth, our souls find solace and peace when we turn towards Jesus. He is the wellspring of true peace, a peace that transcends understanding and guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Let us then intentionally draw near to Him, casting our cares upon Him and allowing His peace to wash over us.

Heavenly Father, in the quiet moments and in the midst of life’s storms, we turn to You. We acknowledge our need for Your peace, a peace that the world can not give. We pray for hearts that are attuned to Your still, small voice, minds that are free from anxiety, and spirits that are anchored in Your love. Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, our Prince of Peace. Help us to abide in Him, trust in His promises, and experience the fullness of the peace that only He can provide. Amen.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.   Isaiah 26:3

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

The Risen Christ’s Powerful Promise…

The words of the angel in Mark’s Gospel burst forth with unexpected joy amidst the heavy atmosphere of grief. Mary Magdalene, Mary, the mother of James, and Salome had come to the tomb with spices to anoint the body of Jesus, a final act of love and sorrow. Their hearts were undoubtedly burdened by the brutal reality of the crucifixion, the seeming end of all their hopes and dreams.

But the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!”
Mark 16:6, NLT

Imagine their shock as they encountered not a corpse but an empty tomb and a radiant messenger. “Don’t be alarmed,” the angel reassured them, his words cutting through their fear and confusion. “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!”

This single declaration is the cornerstone of our faith, the audacious claim that transforms despair into hope, defeat into victory, and death into life. The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a historical event; it is a living reality that continues to shape our lives today. It signifies that death has been conquered, sin has been atoned for, and a new way of life has been opened to all who believe.

Just as those women were called to share this incredible news, so too are we. We are called to live in the light of the resurrection, allowing its power to transform our fears, our doubts, and our limitations. We are called to be witnesses to the living Christ, sharing the hope that resides within us with a world still searching for meaning and purpose. The empty tomb is not just a symbol of what was; it is a powerful promise of what is and what will be – eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the glorious truth of the resurrection. Thank you that death did not have the final word and that through your Son, Jesus, we have the promise of eternal life. Help us to live each day in the light of this incredible victory, sharing the hope and joy of the risen Christ with all those we encounter. Strengthen our faith and empower us to be bold witnesses to your love. Amen.

Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Gods Relentless Pursuit of Love…

It’s a powerful and comforting truth to realize we are relentlessly pursued by God’s goodness and love!

As Psalm 23:6 beautifully states, “Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

The apparent gentleness of “follow” takes on a whole new dimension when we understand the Hebrew word radaph. It paints a vivid picture of a God who isn’t passively observing but actively, intensely, running after us with His goodness and love. It’s not a faint echo of blessing; it’s a determined chase of grace.

Think back to those moments you felt – the unexpected provision, the overwhelming comfort, the inexplicable strength. Those weren’t random occurrences; they were tangible signs of a God on a mission for you, His love in relentless pursuit.

And the destination of this divine chase? An eternal dwelling place with Him. “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Let that truth settle deep within you today. You are the object of a love that will never falter, a love that has already secured your eternal home.

Father, my heart resonates with this truth. There are times I’ve turned and fled – from my insecurities, my mistakes, even from the embrace You offer. Yet, Your love remains steadfast, a persistent force chasing after me with unwavering goodness. Thank You for meeting me in my brokenness, for holding me together when I felt I would shatter, and for celebrating with me in moments of joy. Open my eyes to recognize Your pursuing presence in every facet of my life – in the quiet whispers of peace, the unexpected surge of strength, and the resilient hope that dawns even in the darkest times. Remind me that my journey isn’t aimless wandering, but a purposeful heading home to reside with You eternally. Thank you for a love so profound that it will never let me go. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket—safe, dark, motionless, airless—it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, and irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable. This reminds us that God’s relentless pursuit of us, this active and vulnerable love He pours out, is the very thing that transforms us and draws us into His eternal embrace.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

Jesus’s Surrender, Our Trust

That final cry from the cross echoes through the ages, a powerful testament to Jesus’ unwavering trust and obedience. In the face of unimaginable suffering, abandoned by many and seemingly forsaken by God, Jesus still turns to his Father. “Father,” he cries, a word of intimacy and love, “into your hands I commit my spirit.”

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.  Luke 23:46,

These words reveal the depth of Jesus’ relationship with God. Even in his darkest hour, there is no accusation, no bitterness, only a profound surrender. He entrusts the very essence of himself, his spirit, into the safe-keeping of the One who sent him. It’s a picture of ultimate faith, a willingness to let go of earthly control and rest completely in divine sovereignty.

Consider the weight of that moment. The physical agony, the emotional betrayal, the spiritual burden of the world’s sin – all culminating in this final act of surrender. Yet, within that surrender lies victory. For in committing his spirit to the Father, Jesus paved the way for our own reconciliation with God. His death was not an end, but a transition, a passage through which the power of resurrection would ultimately triumph.

As we reflect on these words, we are invited to examine our own lives. Where do we hold back? What fears and anxieties do we cling to instead of releasing them into God’s hands? Jesus’ example shows us that true strength lies not in our own grip but in the complete surrender to a loving Father who holds us securely.

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of the profound trust Jesus demonstrated in his final moments. Forgive us for the times we try to control our lives, clinging to our own understanding and strength. Teach us to echo Jesus’ cry, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” trusting in your unfailing love and perfect plan. Grant us the grace to release our fears, our worries, and our very selves into your care, knowing that in your hands, we are truly safe. Amen.

To surrender to God is not to become a puppet, but to become a son [or daughter]; to live not by a dictated will, but by a loving heart.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Seeking Jesus….

We would see Jesus.   — John 12:21

That simple request, “We would see Jesus,” spoken by some Greeks to Philip during the Passover feast, resonates across the centuries. They weren’t part of the inner circle, not among the disciples who walked daily with the Lord.

They were outsiders, drawn by the whispers and wonders surrounding this man from Galilee. Their desire wasn’t for miracles or political pronouncements, but for a personal encounter, a glimpse of the one who was stirring hearts and minds.

How often do we echo that same yearning in our own lives? Amidst the noise and demands of our days, do we pause and sincerely say, “We would see Jesus”? Perhaps we seek Him in the quiet moments of prayer, in the pages of Scripture, or in the faces of those who reflect His love. Like those Greeks, we may feel like outsiders at times, grappling with our faith or longing for a deeper connection.

The beauty of their request lies in its simplicity and its profound depth. To see Jesus is to encounter hope that transcends our circumstances, love that embraces our imperfections, and peace that calms our anxieties. It’s to witness a life lived in selfless service, a compassion that reaches the marginalized, and a truth that sets us free.

Just as Philip brought the Greeks to Jesus, may we also be open to the opportunities to encounter Him in our lives. May we seek Him with intentionality, allowing Him to reveal Himself in ways we might not expect. And may our own lives become a testament that draws others to say, “We would see Jesus,” in us.

Lord Jesus, like those who sought you long ago, we too desire to see you more clearly in our lives. Open our eyes to recognize your presence in the ordinary and the extraordinary. Grant us a deeper understanding of your love and your ways. Help us to live in such a way that others might also be drawn to seek you. Amen.

The longing to behold Christ is the most fundamental and universal desire of the human heart.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always

Ed 🙏🏼

Forget the Past, Move Forward…

Just like that summer day, when your eyes were fixed on something behind you causing you to stumble into a tree, our spiritual walk requires a similar focus.

When we constantly look back at past hurts, disappointments, or the sting of others’ words, we inevitably lose our footing on the path God has laid out for us.

Unforgiveness and grudges act like anchors, holding us captive and preventing us from stepping into the fullness of what the Lord has in store. Our gaze needs to be firmly fixed on Jesus, who is always leading the way.

As Paul wisely said, “Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

Let Proverbs 4:25 guide you: “Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.”

Today, make a conscious decision to release the burdens of the past and set your heart and mind on the Lord, knowing that your calling and abundant blessings await you in the direction of His leading.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the clarity of your Word and the simple yet profound lesson of keeping my eyes fixed on you. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed the past to hold me back, for the unforgiveness I’ve harbored, and for the attention I’ve given to the voices around me rather than your own. I choose today to forget what lies behind and to press on toward the glorious future you have prepared for me. Strengthen my focus, Lord. Help me to keep my gaze steady on you, trusting in your leading and your promises. May my life be characterized by forward movement in your grace and for your glory. Amen.

You can’t drive forward looking in the rearview mirror.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼

He Is Risen…

Then the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”  Matthew 28:5-7

The air in the garden hung heavy with the scent of damp earth and the lingering perfume of burial spices. Grief clung to the women like a shroud as they approached the tomb, their hearts burdened by the cruel finality of the cross. They came to anoint a body to offer a final act of love and respect for their fallen Lord.

But what greeted them was not the cold, still presence of death, but an astonishing absence. The stone, heavy and immovable, lay rolled away. And then, a voice, not of this earth, cutting through their sorrow with words that shimmered with unbelievable hope: “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.”

Imagine their hearts, leaping within their chests, a sudden dawn breaking through the darkest night. Fear mingled with a dawning joy, a confusion giving way to the impossible truth. “He has risen!” The words echoed in the stillness, a declaration that shattered the power of death, a promise whispered on the morning breeze.

The angel’s invitation, “Come, see the place where he lay,” was a tangible confirmation. The empty tomb, a stark and silent witness, spoke volumes. Death could not hold Him. The grave could not contain the Author of Life.

And then, the urgent commission: “Go quickly and tell his disciples!” From the depths of despair, they were thrust into the role of messengers of the most incredible news the world had ever known. Their grief transformed into a breathless haste, their tears wiped away by the sheer magnitude of the resurrection.

This Easter, we, too, stand at the empty tomb. We remember the darkness of Good Friday, the weight of sin and sorrow that nailed Jesus to the cross. But we also embrace the glorious light of Easter morning, the triumphant declaration that death has been defeated. The empty tomb is not just a historical fact; it is a living testament to the power of God’s love, a promise of new life, and eternal hope for each of us.

Let us, like the women, cast aside our fears and embrace the joy of the resurrection. Let us go forth and share this incredible news, not just with words but with lives transformed by the hope that is within us. He is risen! He is risen indeed!

Gracious God, on this Easter morning, we stand in awe of the miracle of the resurrection. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, who conquered death and offers us the gift of eternal life. Fill our hearts with the joy and peace that this truth brings. Strengthen us to be bold witnesses of your love, sharing the good news with all we encounter. May the hope of the empty tomb empower us to live lives that reflect the new life we have in Christ. Amen.

Let Easter say this: that the grave yields to life, that weakness becomes power, that defeat turns into victory beyond the wildest dreams.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼